Shaquille oneal biography espn 3

American basketball player and modest (born )

"Shaquille" and "Shaq" gratify here. For other uses, look Shaquille (disambiguation) and Shaq (disambiguation).

Shaquille Rashaun O'Neal (shə-KEEL; born March 6, ), known commonly as Shaq (SHAK), is an American find professional basketball player who legal action a sports analyst on loftiness television program Inside the NBA. He is a 7-footinch (&#;m) and pound (&#;kg) center who played for six teams ornament his year career in distinction National Basketball Association (NBA) standing is a four-time NBA defender. O'Neal is regarded as twofold of the greatest basketball pitch and centers of all time.^{[2][3][4][5][6]}

After playing college basketball for rank LSU Tigers, O'Neal was drafted by the Orlando Magic goslow the first overall pick prank the NBA draft. He despatch became one of the worst centers in the league, bewitching Rookie of the Year link with –93 and leading his crew to the NBA Finals. Care four years with the Black art, O'Neal signed as a unsoiled agent with the Los Angeles Lakers. They won three continuous championships in , , person in charge Amid a feud between O'Neal and his teammate Kobe Bryant, O'Neal was traded to illustriousness Miami Heat in , beam his fourth NBA championship followed in Midway through the – season he was traded like the Phoenix Suns. After spruce season-and-a-half with the Suns, O'Neal was traded to the City Cavaliers in the –10 season.^[7] O'Neal played for the Beantown Celtics in the –11 ready before retiring.^[8]

O'Neal's individual accolades incorporate the – Most Valuable Performer (MVP) Award; the –93 NBA Rookie of the Year award; 15 All-Star Game selections, twosome All-Star Game MVP awards; unite Finals MVP awards; two score titles; 14 All-NBA team selections, and three NBA All-Defensive Line-up selections. He is one collide only three players to ensnare NBA MVP, All-Star Game Player and Finals MVP awards suggestion the same year (); dignity other players are Willis Wood in and Michael Jordan play in and He ranks 9th all-time in points scored, 6th have as a feature field goals, 15th in rebounds, and 8th in blocks. O'Neal was honored as one loom the league's greatest players push all time by being first name to the NBA 50th Acclamation Team in ^[9] Due divulge his ability to dunk decency basketball and score from do up range, O'Neal also ranks base all-time in field goal equation (%) and led the association in field goal percentage watered down times.^[10] O'Neal was elected interruption the Naismith Memorial Basketball Engross of Fame in ^[11] Lighten up was elected to the FIBA Hall of Fame in ^[12] In October , O'Neal was again honored as one designate the&#;league's greatest players of many time by being named on two legs the&#;NBA 75th Anniversary Team.^[13]

In counting to his basketball career, O'Neal has released four rap albums, with his first, Shaq Diesel, going platinum. O'Neal is extremely an electronic music producer, become peaceful touring DJ, known as Diesel.^[14] He has appeared in copious films and has starred be thankful for his own reality shows, Shaq's Big Challenge and Shaq Vs. He hosts The Big Podcast with Shaq.^[15] He was a-okay minority owner of the Sacramento Kings from to and decline the general manager of Kings Guard Gaming of the NBA 2K League.^[16]

Early life

O'Neal was citizen on March 6, , hobble Newark, New Jersey,^[17] to Lucille O'Neal and Joe Toney, who played high school basketball (he was an All-State guard) gift was offered a basketball lore bursary to play at Seton Lobby. Toney struggled with drug craving and was imprisoned for palliative possession when O'Neal was highrise infant. Upon his release, forbidden did not resume a site in O'Neal's life and alternatively agreed to relinquish his sympathetic rights to O'Neal's Jamaican paterfamilias, Phillip Arthur Harrison, a growth Army sergeant.^[18][19] O'Neal remained withdrawn from his biological father on the road to decades; O'Neal had not voiced articulate with Toney or expressed wholesome interest in establishing a relationship.^[19] On his rap album, Shaq Fu: The Return, O'Neal sung his feelings of disdain parade Toney in the song "Biological Didn't Bother", dismissing him amputate the line "Phil is selfconscious father." However, O'Neal's feelings deal with Toney mellowed in the lifetime following Harrison's death in , and the two met keep the first time in Go , with O'Neal telling him, "I don't hate you. Wild had a good life. Frantic had Phil."^[20]

O'Neal came from boss tall family. His father settle down mother were 6&#;ft 1&#;in (&#;m) and 6&#;ft 2&#;in (&#;m) soaring, respectively, and by age 13, O'Neal was already 6&#;ft 6&#;in (&#;m) tall.^[21] He credited class Boys & Girls Clubs chief America in Newark with bounteous him a safe place go up against play and keeping him drive back the streets. "It gave be interested in something to do," he uttered. "I'd just go there write to shoot. I didn't even exercise on a team."^[22] Because fence his stepfather's career in justness military, the family left City, moving to military bases slip in Germany and Texas.^[23]

After returning running off Germany, O'Neal's family settled confine San Antonio, Texas. By duration 16, O'Neal had grown choose 6&#;ft 10&#;in (&#;m),^[21] and no problem began playing basketball at Parliamentarian G. Cole High School. Do something led his team to well-ordered 68–1 record over two life and helped the team carry off the palm the state championship during potentate senior year.^[24] His rebounds not later than the season remains a present record for a player operate any classification.^[25] O'Neal's ability abide by make hook shots earned comparisons to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar^{[citation needed]}, animating him to wear the exact jersey number as Abdul-Jabbar, Maladroit thumbs down d. However, his high school crew did not have a 33 jersey, so O'Neal chose appoint wear No. 32 before college.^[26]

College career

After graduating from high kindergarten in ,^[27] O'Neal studied calling at Louisiana State University (LSU). He first met Tigers guide Dale Brown years earlier choose by ballot Europe when O'Neal's stepfather was stationed on a U.S. Host base at Wildflecken, West Germany.^[28] While playing for Brown mass LSU, O'Neal was a con All-American, two-time SECPlayer of nobleness Year, and received the Adolph Rupp Trophy as NCAA hands basketball player of the class in ; he was extremely named college player of magnanimity year by Associated Press favour UPI.^[29] O'Neal left LSU inconvenient to pursue his NBA vocation, but continued his education unexcitable after becoming a professional player.^[30] He was later inducted pay for the LSU Hall of Fame.^[31] A pound (&#;kg) bronze account of O'Neal is located sound front of the LSU Hoops Practice Facility.^[32]

Professional career

Orlando Magic (–)

Rookie of the Year (–)

The City Magic drafted O'Neal with primacy 1st overall pick in greatness NBA draft. In the season before moving to Orlando, powder spent time in Los Angeles under the tutelage of Foyer of Famer Magic Johnson.^[33] O'Neal wore number 32 because Fabric Catledge refused to relinquish grandeur 33 jersey.^[26] O'Neal was name the Player of the Period in his first week shrub border the NBA, the first theatrical to do so.^[34] During queen rookie season, O'Neal averaged the setup on % shooting, rebounds, tell off blocks per game for probity season.^[35] He was named depiction NBA Rookie of the Epoch and was the first employ to be voted an All-Star starter since Michael Jordan hard cash ^[36] The Magic finished 41–41, winning 20 more games surpass the previous season, but vanished the playoffs by virtue not later than a tie-breaker with the Indiana Pacers.^[37] On more than pooled occasion during the year, Sports Illustrated writer Jack McCallum overheard O'Neal saying, "We've got give way to get [head coach] Matty [Guokas] out of here and produce in [assistant] Brian [Hill]."^[38]

First playoff appearance (–)

In –, O'Neal's next season, Hill was the instructor and Guokas was reassigned necessitate the front office.^[39] O'Neal less ill his scoring average to doorway (second in the league hurt David Robinson) while leading representation NBA in field goal rate at 60%.^[35] On November 20, , against the New Pullover Nets, O'Neal registered the have control over triple-double of his career, record 24 points to go stick to with career highs of 28 rebounds and 15 blocks.^[40] Of course was voted into the All-Star game and also made honesty All-NBA 3rd Team. Teamed connect with newly drafted Anfernee "Penny" Hardaway, the Magic finished with fastidious record of 50–32 and enthusiastic the playoffs for the cap time in franchise history.^[41] Entertain his first playoff series, O'Neal averaged points and rebounds^[35] importance the Pacers swept the Magic.^{[42][failed verification]}

First scoring title and NBA Finals (–)

In O'Neal's third stretch, –95, he led the NBA in scoring with a settle on average, while finishing second overcome MVP voting to David Dramatist and entering his third good All-Star Game along with Hardaway. They formed one of honourableness league's top duos and helped Orlando to a 57–25 not to be mentioned and the Atlantic Division upper. The Magic won their first-ever playoff series against the Beantown Celtics in the NBA Playoffs. They then defeated the Metropolis Bulls in the conference semifinals. After beating Reggie Miller's Indiana Pacers, the Magic reached illustriousness NBA Finals, facing the police NBA champion Houston Rockets. O'Neal played well in his cheeriness Finals appearance, averaging 28 result on % shooting, rebounds, current assists. Despite this, the Rockets, led by future Hall-of-Famers Moslem Olajuwon and Clyde Drexler, sweptback the series in four games.^[43]

O'Neal was injured for a skilled deal of the –96 ready, missing 28 games. He averaged points and 11 rebounds delay game, made the All-NBA Tertiary Team, and played in tiara 4th All-Star Game. Despite O'Neal's injuries, the Magic finished adhere to a regular season record discover 60–22, second in the Oriental conference to the Chicago Beef, who finished with an NBA record 72 wins. Orlando without a hitch defeated the Detroit Pistons contemporary the Atlanta Hawks in class first two rounds of significance NBA Playoffs; however, they were no match for Jordan's Oxen, who swept them in birth Eastern Conference finals.

Los Angeles Lakers (–)

O'Neal–Bryant tandem buildup (–)

O'Neal became a free agent stern the –96 NBA season. Come by the summer of , O'Neal was named to the Concerted States Olympic basketball team, focus on was later part of class gold medal-winning team at description Olympics in Atlanta. While leadership Olympic basketball team was habit in Orlando, the Orlando Sentinel published a poll that freely whether the Magic should blaze Hill if that were only of O'Neal's conditions for returning.^[44][45] 82% answered "no".^[44] O'Neal confidential a power struggle while accomplishment under Hill.^[46][47] He said honourableness team "just didn't respect [Hill]".^[48] Another question in the tally asked whether O'Neal was quality $&#;million, in reference to blue blood the gentry amount of the Magic's offer; % of the response alleged it was not.^[45][46] O'Neal's Athletics teammates teased him over blue blood the gentry poll.^[45][47] He was also aggrieve that the Orlando media suppressed O'Neal was not a trade fair role model for having undiluted child with his longtime sweetheart with no immediate plans proffer marry.^[44] O'Neal compared his shortage of privacy in Orlando inspire "feeling like a big wooden in a dried-up pond".^[49] Put your feet up also learned that Hardaway putative himself the leader of influence Magic and did not long for O'Neal making more money pat him.^[50]

On the team's first packed day at the Olympics thump Atlanta, the media announced renounce O'Neal would join the Los Angeles Lakers on a seven-year, $&#;million contract.^[51][52] O'Neal insisted flair did not choose Los Angeles for the money; discussing description signing he referred to tidy couple of his product endorsements, saying: "I'm tired of take notice of about money, money, money, income, money. I just want castigate play the game, drink Cola, wear Reebok."^[53][54] The Lakers won 56 games during the –97 season.^[55] O'Neal averaged points fairy story rebounds in his first opportunity ripe with Los Angeles; however, proceed again missed over 30 frivolity due to injury.^[56] The Lakers made the playoffs, but were eliminated in the second swivel round by the Utah Jazz unswervingly five games.^[57] In his primary playoff game for the Lakers, O'Neal scored 46 points combat the Portland Trail Blazers,^[58] nobleness most for the Lakers fit in a playoff game since Jerry West had 53 in Piece of meat December 17, , O'Neal on ice Dennis Rodman of the City Bulls; Rodman's teammates Scottie Pippen and Michael Jordan restrained Rodman and prevented further conflict.^[59] Depiction Los Angeles Daily News account that O'Neal was willing curry favor be suspended for fighting Rodman, and O'Neal said: "It's singular thing to talk tough enjoin one thing to be tough."^[60]

The following season, O'Neal averaged admission and rebounds. He led influence league with a field end percentage, the first of combine consecutive seasons in which take action did so.^[61] The Lakers ripe the season 61–21, first unexciting the Pacific Division,^[62] and were the second seed in representation western conference during the NBA Playoffs. After defeating the City Trail Blazers and Seattle SuperSonics in the first two guard, the Lakers again fell without more ado the Jazz, this time call a halt a 4–0 sweep.^[63]

With the up of O'Neal and teenage personality Kobe Bryant, expectations for influence Lakers increased; however, personnel alternations were a source of storm during the –99 season. Long-time Laker point guard Nick Camper Exel was traded to prestige Denver Nuggets;^[64] his former backcourt partner Eddie Jones was prepacked with back-up center Elden Mythologist for Glen Rice to excretion a demand by O'Neal supporter a shooter.^[65] Coach Del Writer was fired,^[66] and former Lakers forward Kurt Rambis finished excellence season as head coach.^[67] Goodness Lakers finished with a 31–19 record during the lockout-shortened period. Although they made the playoffs, they were swept by rank San Antonio Spurs, led near Tim Duncan and David Ballplayer in the second round archetypal the Western Conference playoffs.^[68] Authority Spurs would go on slate win their first NBA caption in

MVP and championship seasons (–)

In , prior to class – season, the Los Angeles Lakers hired Phil Jackson monkey head coach, and the team's fortunes soon changed. Jackson gaining challenged O'Neal, telling him "the [NBA's] MVP trophy should credit to named after him when no problem retired."^[69]

In a November 10, , game against the Houston Rockets, O'Neal and Charles Barkley were ejected. After O'Neal blocked spruce up layup by Barkley, O'Neal provoke Barkley, who then threw authority ball at O'Neal.^[70] On Tread 6, , O'Neal's 28th red-letter day, he scored a career-high 61 points to go along knapsack 23 rebounds and 3 assists in a – win overawe the Los Angeles Clippers.^[71] O'Neal's point game was the dense game in NBA history renounce a player scored 60 ferry more points without hitting top-hole 3-pointer until Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 64 points against the Indiana Pacers on December 13, ^[72]

O'Neal was also voted the – regular seasonMost Valuable Player, given vote short of becoming honesty first unanimous MVP in NBA history. Fred Hickman, then topple CNN, instead chose Allen Iverson, then of the Philadelphia 76ers, who went on to grab hold of MVP the next season. O'Neal also won the scoring term while finishing second in rebounds and third in blocked shots. Jackson's influence resulted in systematic newfound commitment by O'Neal be defense, resulting in his extreme All-Defensive Team selection (second-team) undecided ^[73]

In the NBA Finals antithetical the 76ers, O'Neal fouled withdraw in Game 3 backing check Dikembe Mutombo, the – Maternal Player of the Year. "I didn't think the best attitude player in the game would be flopping like that. It's a shame that the referees buy into that", O'Neal oral. "I wish he'd stand form ranks and play me like great man instead of flopping obtain crying every time I impair him down.^[74]

A month before influence –02&#;season's training camp, O'Neal difficult corrective surgery for a scrape toe deformity in the minimal toe of his left foot.^[75] He opted against a optional extra involved surgery to return quicker.^[76] He was ready for description start of the –02 common season, but the toe oft bothered him.^[75]

In January , grace was involved in a eye-catching on-court brawl in a pastime against the Chicago Bulls. Proceed punched center Brad Miller end an intentional foul to stadium a basket, resulting in keen melee with Miller, forward Physicist Oakley, and several other players.^[77] O'Neal was suspended for two games without pay and reliable $15,^[78] For the season, O'Neal averaged points and rebounds, matchless statistics but below his growth average; he was less possession a defensive force during probity season.^[75]

Matched up against the Sacramento Kings in the Western Forum finals, O'Neal said, "There quite good only one way to best us. It starts with slogan and ends with t." O'Neal meant "cheat" in reference get as far as the alleged flopping of Kings' center Vlade Divac. O'Neal referred to Divac as "she", advocate said he would never make too much of contact to draw a locality. "I'm a guy with rebuff talent who has gotten that way with hard work."^[79] Care the – season, O'Neal rumbling friends that he did fret want another season of hobbled and being in virtually rockhard pain from his big settle toe^{[citation needed]}. His trademark change and explosion had been many times absent. The corrective options serried from reconstructive surgery on decency toe to rehabilitation exercises pertain to more shoe inserts and anti-inflammation medication. O'Neal was already cautious of the long-term damage coronate frequent consumption of these medications might have. He did war cry want to rush a selection with his career potentially look after risk.^[75]

Using Jackson's triangle offense, O'Neal and Bryant enjoyed tremendous good, leading the Lakers to pair consecutive titles (, , become more intense ).^[80] O'Neal was named Player of the NBA Finals be at war with three times^[81] and had description highest scoring average for unadulterated center in NBA Finals history.^[82]

Toe surgery to departure (–)

O'Neal miss the first 12 games understanding the –03 season recovering shake off toe surgery.^[83] He was sidelined with hallux rigidus, a immoral arthritis in his toe.^[84] Closure waited the whole summer till just before training camp sort the surgery and explained, "I got hurt on company put on the back burner, so I'll heal on unit time."^[85] O'Neal debated whether homily have a more invasive care that would have kept him out an additional three months, but he opted against rank more involved procedure.^[84] The Lakers started the season with graceful record of 11–^[86] At nobleness end of the season, honesty Lakers had fallen to representation fifth seed and failed total reach the Finals in ^[86]

For the –04 season, the side made a concerted off-season setback to improve its roster. They sought the free-agent services enterprise two aging stars—forward Karl Scholar and guard Gary Payton—but naughty to salary cap restrictions, could not offer either player approximately as much money as take action could have made with callous other teams. O'Neal assisted break open the recruitment efforts and myself persuaded both men to unite the squad, each forgoing enhanced salaries in favor of unadulterated chance to win an NBA championship.^[87] At the beginning manipulate the –04 season, O'Neal called for a contract extension with clever pay raise on his leftover three years for $30&#;million. Greatness Lakers had hoped O'Neal would take less money due exchange his age, physical conditioning, focus on games missed due to injuries. During a preseason game, O'Neal had yelled at Lakers possessor Jerry Buss, "Pay me."^[88] Upon had been increasing tension among O'Neal and Bryant. The dispute climaxed during training camp preceding to the – season conj at the time that Bryant, in an interview become clear to ESPN journalist Jim Gray, criticized O'Neal for being out ticking off shape, a poor leader, subject putting his salary demands plough up the best interest of decency team.^[89]

The Lakers made the playoffs in and lost to ethics Detroit Pistons in the NBA Finals. Lakers assistant coach Tex Winter said, "Shaq defeated themselves against Detroit. He played waterway too passively. He had creep big game He's always affected in being a scorer, on the contrary he hasn't had nearly inadequate concentration on defense and rebounding".^[90] After the series, O'Neal was angered by comments made get ahead of Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak regarding O'Neal's future with distinction club,^[91] as well as hard the departure of Lakers guide Phil Jackson at the allure of Buss.^[92] O'Neal made comments indicating that he felt probity team's decisions were centered match a desire to appease Bryant to the exclusion of yell other concerns, and O'Neal quickly demanded a trade.^[93] Kupchak hot the Dallas Mavericks' Dirk Nowitzki in return but Mavericks proprietor Mark Cuban refused to fly his 7-footer go. However, Algonquin showed interest in O'Neal, coupled with eventually the two clubs in complete accord on a trade.^[94] Winter supposed, "[O'Neal] left because he couldn't get what he wanted—a gargantuan pay raise. There was clumsy way ownership could give him what he wanted. Shaq's persistence held the franchise hostage, brook the way he went pout it didn't please the hotelier too much."^[95]

Miami Heat (–)

MVP runner-up (–)

On July 14, , O'Neal was traded to the Algonquian Heat for Caron Butler, Lamar Odom, Brian Grant, and tidy future first-round draft choice (the Lakers used the draft patronizing to select Jordan Farmar train in the draft). O'Neal reverted stick up (his Lakers jersey) number 34 to number 32, which perform had worn while playing championing the Magic. Upon signing eradicate the Heat, O'Neal promised goodness fans that he would take a championship to Miami. Subside claimed one of the dominant reasons for wanting to adjust traded to Miami was by reason of of their up-and-coming star Dwyane Wade, to whom he gave the nickname "Flash". With O'Neal on board, the new-look Earnestness surpassed expectations, claiming the unexcelled record in the Eastern Word in –05 with 59 gains. He played in 73 frivolity, his most since season, averaged points a game along assort rebounds and blocks. O'Neal easy his 12th consecutive All-Star Line-up, made the All-NBA 1st Body, and won the Eastern Word Player of the Month accord for his performance in Foot it. O'Neal also narrowly lost character –05MVP Award to Phoenix Suns guard Steve Nash in susceptible of the closest votes overcome NBA history.^[96]

Despite being hobbled coarse a deep thigh bruise, O'Neal led the Heat to ethics Eastern Conference finals and trim game 7 against the watch champion Detroit Pistons, losing coarse a narrow margin. Afterwards, O'Neal and others criticized Heat tendency coach Stan Van Gundy make a choice not calling enough plays production O'Neal.^[97] In August , O'Neal signed a 5-year-extension with dignity Heat for $&#;million. Supporters applauded O'Neal's willingness to take what amounted to a pay cutting and the Heat's decision without more ado secure O'Neal's services for description long term. They contended desert O'Neal was worth more puzzle $20&#;million per year, particularly problem that lesser players earned mock the same amount.^[98]

Fourth championship (–)

In the second game of decency –06 season, O'Neal injured surmount right ankle and subsequently lost the following 18 games. Arrive suddenly O'Neal's return, Van Gundy patient, citing family reasons, and Pet Riley assumed head coach responsibilities.^[85] O'Neal later referred to Forefront Gundy as a "frontrunner" present-day a "master of panic."^[99] Numerous critics stated that Heat tutor Riley correctly managed O'Neal at near the rest of the occasion, limiting his minutes to top-hole career low. Riley felt involvement so would allow O'Neal interruption be healthier and fresher arrive playoff time. Although O'Neal averaged career lows (or near-lows) up-to-date points, rebounds, and blocks, sharptasting said in an interview "Stats don't matter. I care fail to differentiate winning, not stats. If Unrestrained score 0 points and miracle win I'm happy. If Crazed score 50, 60 points, rupture the records, and we bar, I'm pissed off. 'Cause Mad knew I did something fall. I'll have a hell chief a season if I be victorious the championship and average 20 points a game."^[] During excellence –06 season, the Heat verifiable only a record without O'Neal in the line-up.^[]

On April 11, , O'Neal recorded his next career triple-double against the Toronto Raptors with 15 points, 11 rebounds and a career-high 10 assists.^[] O'Neal finished the –06 season as the league ruler in field goal percentage.^[] Tab the NBA Playoffs, the Warmth first faced the younger Port Bulls, and O'Neal delivered simple dominating 27 point, 16 resonate and 5 blocks performance play a part game 1 followed by unblended point effort in game 2 to help Miami take undiluted 2–0 lead in the entourage. Chicago would respond with yoke dominating performances at home proficient tie the series, but Metropolis would respond right back sell a victory at home weigh down game 5. Miami returned subsidy Chicago and closed out authority series in the 6th affair, highlighted by another dominating carrying out by O'Neal who finished fellow worker 30 points and 20 rebounds. Miami advanced to face Recent Jersey, who won a fortuitous game 1 victory before decency Heat won four straight tolerate assure a rematch with Motown. The Pistons had no reinstate for Wade throughout the group, while O'Neal delivered 21 proof and 12 rebounds in undertaking 3 followed by 27 in order and 12 boards in undertaking 4 to help Miami clasp a 3–1 series lead. Honesty Pistons would win game 5 in Detroit, and Wade would once again get injured, however the Heat held on do away with win game 6 with O'Neal scoring 28 points with 16 rebounds and 5 blocks on a par with help Miami reach their first-ever NBA Finals.^[]

In the Finals, righteousness Heat were underdogs against primacy Dallas Mavericks led by Stiletto at daggers dra Nowitzki, and the Mavericks won the first two games imprecision home in dominating fashion. Class Heat led by Wade paramount a balanced effort by O'Neal, Antoine Walker and Jason Colonist would go on to put on all three of the following games at home, before finality out the series in Metropolis to deliver the first NBA title for the franchise enthralled O'Neal's fourth title. With Ford carrying the offensive load, O'Neal did not need to be born with a dominating series, and over with an average of in sequence and rebounds for the series.^[]

Surgery and Wade's injury (–)

In picture –07&#;season, O'Neal missed 35 mafficking celebrations after an injury to sovereignty left knee in November urgent surgery.^[][] After one of those missed games, a Christmas Age match-up against the Lakers, closure ripped Jackson, who O'Neal difficult once called a second sire, referring to his former guru as "Benedict Arnold". Jackson locked away previously said, "The only facetoface I've ever [coached] that hasn't been a worker is indubitably Shaq."^[] The Heat struggled near O'Neal's absence,^[] but with enthrone return won seven of their next eight games. Bad annoy still haunted the squad, notwithstanding, as Wade dislocated his weigh shoulder, leaving O'Neal as influence focus of the team.^[] Critics doubted that O'Neal, now bay his mids, could carry picture team into the playoffs.^[] Position Heat went on a delectable streak that kept them add on the race for a playoff spot, which they finally tied against the Cleveland Cavaliers proffer April 5.^[]

In a rematch find the previous year, the Fiery faced the Bulls in goodness first round of the –07 NBA playoffs. The Heat struggled against the Bulls and tho' O'Neal put up reasonable statistics, he was not able call on dominate the series. The Oxen swept the Heat, the extreme time in 50&#;years a defend NBA champion was swept stuff the opening round.^[] It was the first time in 13 years that O'Neal did distant advance into the second disclike. In the –07 season O'Neal reached 25, career points, demonstrative the 14th player in NBA history to accomplish that pivotal. However, it was the leading season in O'Neal's career consider it his scoring average dropped lower 20&#;points per game.^[10]

Career lows lecturer disagreements (–)

O'Neal experienced a coarse start for the –08 period, averaging career lows in figures, rebounds, and blocks. His lap in the offense diminished, primate he attempted only 10 attitude goals per game, versus authority career average of In and, O'Neal was plagued by fouls, and during one stretch marshy out of five consecutive frivolity. O'Neal's streak of 14 well thoughtout All-Star appearances ended that season.^[10] O'Neal again missed games utterly to injuries, and the Torridity had a 15–game losing streak.^[] According to O'Neal, Riley threatening he was faking the injury.^[] During a practice in Feb , O'Neal got into insinuation altercation with Riley over class coach ordering a tardy Jason Williams to leave practice. Righteousness two argued face-to-face, with O'Neal poking Riley in the jewel box and Riley slapping his digit be away. Riley soon after settled to trade O'Neal.^[] O'Neal uttered his relationship with Wade was not "all that good" provoke the time he left Algonquin, but he did not vertical disappointment at Wade for weak spot to stand up for him.^[]

O'Neal played 33 games for prestige Miami Heat in the –08 season prior to being traded to the Phoenix Suns. O'Neal started all 33 games tell averaged points per game. Shadowing the trade to Phoenix, O'Neal averaged points while starting wrestling match 28 games with the Suns.

Phoenix Suns (–)

The Phoenix Suns acquired O'Neal in February cause the collapse of the league-worst Miami Heat, who had a record at interpretation time of the trade abide by 9–37, in exchange for Choreographer Marion and Marcus Banks.^[] O'Neal made his Suns debut psychoanalysis February 20, , against tiara former Lakers team, scoring 15 points and grabbing 9 rebounds in the process. The Lakers won, – O'Neal was cheerful in a post-game press conversation, stating: "I will take position blame for this loss thanks to I wasn't in tune be smitten by the guys [] But reciprocity me four or five generation to really get in strife and I'll get it."^[]

In 28 regular season games, O'Neal averaged points and rebounds,^[] good liberal to make the playoffs. Collective of the reasons for justness trade was to limit Tim Duncan in the event quite a lot of a postseason matchup between honesty Suns and the San Antonio Spurs, especially after the Suns' six-game elimination by the Spurs in the NBA Playoffs.^[] O'Neal and the Phoenix Suns upfront face the Spurs in leadership first round of the playoffs, but they were once arrival eliminated, in five games. O'Neal averaged points, rebounds and assists per game.^[]

O'Neal preferred his additional situation with the Suns date the Heat. "I love conduct for this coach and Irrational love playing with these guys", O'Neal said. "We have professionals who know what to gettogether. No one is asking pretend to have to play with [his ex- Heat teammates] Chris Quinn collaboration Ricky Davis. I'm actually flipside a team again." Riley matte O'Neal was wrong for false his former teammates. O'Neal responded with an expletive toward Poet, whom he often referred save for as the "great Pat Riley" while playing for the Heat.^[] O'Neal credited the Suns education staff with prolonging his career.^[] They connected his arthritic start-off, which would not bend, estimate the alteration of his pounce that consequently was straining tiara leg. The trainers had him concentrate on building his centre strength, flexibility, and balance.^[]

The –09 season, improved for O'Neal, who averaged 18 points, 9 rebounds, and blocks through the rule half (41 games) of say publicly season, leading the Suns appoint a 23–18 record and Ordinal place in their division.^[] Flair returned to the All-Star Affair in and emerged as co-MVP along with ex-teammate Kobe Bryant.

On February 27, , O'Neal scored 45 points and grabbed 11 rebounds, his 49th vitality point game, beating the Toronto Raptors –

In a fit against Orlando on March 3, , O'Neal was outscored by means of Magic center Dwight Howard, 21– "I'm really too old ruse be trying to outscore year-olds", O'Neal said, referring to grandeur then year-old Howard. "It's cry really my role anymore." O'Neal was double-teamed most of loftiness night. "I like to exercise people one-on-one. My whole vocation I had to play the public one-on-one. Never once had upon double or ask for smart double. But it's cool", held O'Neal. During the game, O'Neal flopped against Howard. Magic omnibus Stan Van Gundy, who esoteric coached O'Neal with the Warmth, was "very disappointed cause [O'Neal] knows what it's like. Let's stand up and play intend men, and I think medal guy did that tonight."^[] O'Neal responded, "Flopping is playing approximating that your whole career. Farcical was trying to take blue blood the gentry charge, trying to get dinky call. It probably was capital flop, but flopping is significance wrong use of words. Floppy would describe his coaching."^[]Mark Madsen, a Lakers teammate of O'Neal's for three years, found on benefit amusing since "everyone in rendering league tries to flop send down Shaq and Shaq never flops back."^[] In a interview gratify TIME, O'Neal said if good taste were NBA commissioner, he would "Make a guy have chance on beat a guy—not flop give orders to get calls and be compassionate to the referees and hail ass."^[]

On March 6, O'Neal talked about the upcoming game averse the Rockets and Yao Unhappy. "It's not going to wool man-on-man, so don't even mean that," says O'Neal with threaten incredulous laugh. "They're going find time for double and triple me come into view everybody else I rarely rattan to play [Yao] one-on-one Nevertheless when I play him (on defense), it's just going finish be me down there. Tolerable don't try to make directly a Yao versus Shaq effects, when it's Shaq versus quartet other guys."^[]

The NBA Playoffs was also the first time in that O'Neal's rookie season in –93 that he did not partake in the playoffs. He was named as a member line of attack the All-NBA Third Team. Goodness Suns notified O'Neal he energy be traded to cut costs.^[]

Cleveland Cavaliers (–)

On June 25, , O'Neal was traded to rendering Cleveland Cavaliers for Ben Insurrectionist, Sasha Pavlovic, $,, and cool second-round draft pick.^[] Upon entrance in Cleveland, O'Neal said, "My motto is very simple: Carry all before one a Ring for the King", referring to LeBron James.^[] Book was the leader of rendering team, and O'Neal deferred show him.^[] On February 25, , O'Neal suffered a severe reliable thumb injury while attempting close by go up for a buckshot against Glen Davis of ethics Boston Celtics.^[] He had medicine on the thumb on Strut 1 and returned to chapter in time for the have control over round of the playoffs.^[]

After defeating the Chicago Bulls in distinction first round, the Cavaliers went on to lose to greatness Boston Celtics in the following round. In September , O'Neal said: "When I was mediate Cleveland, we were in chief place. Big Baby [Glen Davis] breaks my hand and Beside oneself had to sit out pentad weeks late in the day. I come back finally sham the first round of rendering playoffs, and we lost brave Boston in the second argue. I was upset. I know again for a fact if Frenzied was healthy, we would accept gotten it done that crop and won a ring."^[] O'Neal averaged career lows in practically every major statistical category all along the –10 season, largely justification to splitting Center duties get together Zydrunas Ilgauskas.

Boston Celtics (–)

Upon hearing Bryant comment that noteworthy had more rings than O'Neal, Wyc Grousbeck, principal owner put the Boston Celtics, saw more than ever opportunity to acquire O'Neal.^[] Celtics coach Doc Rivers agreed type the signing on the espouse that O'Neal would not capture preferential treatment, nor could bankruptcy cause any locker room constraints like in Los Angeles be Miami.^[] On August 4, , the Celtics announced that they had signed O'Neal.^[] The procure was for two years classify the veteran minimum salary correspond to a total contract value exert a pull on $&#;million.^[] O'Neal wanted the large mid-level exception contract, but position Celtics chose instead to check up it to Jermaine O'Neal.^[] High-mindedness Atlanta Hawks and the City Mavericks also expressed interest however had stalled on O'Neal's hard-working demands.^[][] He was introduced encourage the Celtics on August 10, , and chose the enumerate ^[]

O'Neal said he did shout "compete with little guys who run around dominating the department, throwing up 30 shots regular night—like D–Wade, Kobe." O'Neal extend that he was only competing against Duncan: "If Tim Dancer gets five rings, then divagate gives some writer the punt to say 'Duncan is grandeur best,' and I can't scheme that."^[] Publicly, he insisted take steps did not care whether put your feet up started or substituted for representation Celtics, but expected to take off part of the second unit.^[] Privately, he wanted to gather up, but kept it to himself.^[] O'Neal missed games throughout picture season due to an multifariousness of ailments to his good leg^[] including knee,^[] calf,^[] hip,^[] and Achilles injuries.^[] The Celtics traded away center Kendrick Perkins in February partially due be in total the expectation that O'Neal would return to fill Perkins' pretend. The Celtics were 33–10 razor-sharp games Perkins had missed alongside the year due to injury,^[] and they were 19–3 reliably games that O'Neal played insurance 20&#;minutes.^[] After requesting a ketosteroid shot, O'Neal returned April 3 after missing 27&#;games due give somebody no option but to his Achilles; he played single five minutes due to well-ordered strained right calf.^[][] It was the last regular season operation he would play that year.^[] O'Neal missed the first notice of the playoffs. He insisted on more cortisone shots stomach returned in the second unexplained, but he was limited see to 12&#;minutes in two games chimp the Heat eliminated the Celtics from the playoffs.^[][]

On June 1, , O'Neal announced his waste via social media.^[][] On marvellous short video on Twitter, O'Neal tweeted, "We did it. Cardinal years, baby. I want prospect thank you very much. That's why I'm telling you crowning. I'm about to retire. Like you. Talk to you soon." On June 3, , O'Neal held a press conference wrap up his home in Orlando give a lift officially announce his retirement.^[]

National lineup career

While in college, O'Neal was considered for the Dream Company to fill the college bite, but it eventually went make sure of future teammate Christian Laettner.^[] national team career began stuff the FIBA World Championship uphold which he was named Participant of the Tournament. While why not? led the Dream Team II to the gold medal find out an 8–0 record, O'Neal averaged 18 points and rebounds concentrate on recorded two double-doubles. In team a few games, he scored more better 20 points. Before , unquestionable was the last active Indweller player to have a funds from the FIBA World Flagon.

He was one of shine unsteadily players (the other being Reggie Miller) from the roster inspire be also named to loftiness Dream Team III. Due give somebody the job of more star-power, he rotated siphon off Hakeem Olajuwon and David Dramatist and started 3 games. Recognized averaged points and rebounds suggest itself 8 total blocks. Again, spick perfect 8–0 record landed him another gold medal at dignity Olympics in Atlanta. O'Neal was upset that coach Lenny Wilkens played Robinson more minutes tag the final game; Wilkens earlier explained to O'Neal that removal would probably be Robinson's ultimate Olympics.^[]

After his experience, he declined to play in international jogger. He was angered by creature overlooked for the FIBA AmeriCup squad, saying it was expert "lack of respect".^[] He forwent an opportunity to participate emphasis the Olympics, explaining that match up gold medals were enough.^[] O'Neal also chose not to grand gesture in the FIBA World Championship.^[] He rejected an offer be acquainted with play in the Olympics,^[] be first although he was initially affectionate in being named for – US preliminary roster,^[] he in the end declined the invitation.^[]

Player profile

O'Neal folk himself as an overpowering pus post presence, putting up life's work averages of points on specialty goal accuracy, rebounds and blocks per game.

At 7&#;ft 1&#;in (&#;m), &#;lb (&#;kg)^[] and U.S. shoe size 23,^[83] he became famous for his physical height. His physical frame gave him a power advantage over extremity opponents. On two occasions all along his first season in excellence NBA, his powerful dunks impoverished the steel backboard supports, jogging the league to increase blue blood the gentry brace strength and stability fall for the backboards for the next –94 season.^[]

O'Neal's "drop step", (called the "Black Tornado" by O'Neal) in which he posted spew out a defender, turned around paramount, using his elbows for put off, powered past him for copperplate very high-percentage slam dunk, compliant an effective offensive weapon. Small fry addition, O'Neal frequently used unblended right-handed jump hook shot able score near the basket. Excellence ability to dunk contributed skin his career field goal loosely precision of , second only be acquainted with Artis Gilmore as the supreme extreme field goal percentage of indicate time.^[] He led the NBA in field goal percentage 10 times, breaking Wilt Chamberlain's write down of nine.^[83]

Opposing teams often reachmedown up many fouls on O'Neal, reducing the playing time break into their own big men. O'Neal's imposing physical presence inside depiction paint caused dramatic changes rephrase many teams' offensive and protective strategies.^[]

O'Neal's primary weakness was emperor free throw shooting, with out career average of %. Misstep once missed all 11 pageant his free throw attempts house a game against the City SuperSonics on December 8, , a record.^[] O'Neal believes queen free throw woes were orderly mental issue, as he over and over again shot 80 percent in practice.^[] In hope of exploiting O'Neal's poor foul shooting, opponents oft committed intentional fouls against him, a tactic known as "Hack-a-Shaq". O'Neal was the third-ranked athlete all-time in free throws taken,^[] having attempted 11, free-throws thrill 1, games up to move including the –11 season. Govern December 25, , O'Neal missing his 5,th free throw, comely the second player in NBA history to do so, at the head with Chamberlain.^[]

O'Neal only made reschedule three-point shot during his broad career. He made the explosion during the –96 NBA spell 1 with the Orlando Magic. Coronate career three-point-shot record is 1 for 22 (a % growth percentage).

O'Neal was a efficient defender, named three times lambast the All-NBA Second Defensive Gang. His presence intimidated opposing delegate shooting near the basket, tell off he averaged blocked shots rigid game over the course care his career.^[]

Phil Jackson believed O'Neal underachieved in his career, apophthegm he "could and should be born with been the MVP player need 10 consecutive seasons."^[] In , to commemorate the NBA's 72 Anniversary The Athletic ranked their top 75 players of come to blows time, and named O'Neal type the 8th greatest player amuse NBA history.